Senior RF Architect

Infinite Orbits; Toulouse; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

The opportunity to be part of an国际团队"

A creative and innovative work env

Job summary

Infinite Orbits in Toulouse is seeking an RF Architect – Platform / Payload to own end-to-end space segment RF architecture, covering TT&C links and payload RF links. He/she ensures the consistency of the end-to-end RF chain, from the antenna to the ground segment, across Infinite Orbits programs, working with system architecture and other subsystems.

You will lead platform TT&C RF architecture, define ground station requirements, prepare link budgets, assess space-qualified RF components, and

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (Master's level) in RF, telecommunications, or aerospace, or equivalent; PhD appreciated.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in space RF architecture design, including both platform TT&C and payload/mission RF links.
• Experience on at least one satellite mission completed through to completion.
• Proficiency in RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, STK).
• Experience with RF testing during AIT campaigns.
• Knowledge of antenna theory, microwave engineering, and RF principles.
• Understanding of space environment effects on RF systems.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and space qualification processes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional topics and interact with suppliers and partners.
• Excellent technical communication skills in professional English.
• Nationality: French nationality is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the platform TT&C RF architecture (command and telemetry channels, redundancies, safe modes).
• Prepare TT&C link budgets, antenna radiation patterns, and performance models.
• Ensure availability of the command link under all conditions (LEOP, safe mode, initial acquisition).
• Define ground station requirements for LEOP, nominal operations, and safe mode phases; participate in supplier selection.
• Define the payload RF architecture for mission links and inter-satellite/proximity links.
• Prepare link budgets and performance models for the payload.
• Coordinate RF architectures with platform/payload interfaces and with other subsystems.
• Oversee RF subsystems design, testing, integration, environmental testing, and RF validation.
• Develop RF test plans and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Maintain technological watch on RF developments and propose evolutions.

Skills

RF architecture design

Space systems

Project leadership

Technical communication

Education

Master's degree in RF/telecommunications/aerospace

PhD appreciated

Tools

ADS

HFSS

CST

STK

Job description

About the Company

Established in 2017, Infinite Orbits is a NewSpace company, based in Toulouse, pushing the boundaries of in-orbit services with cutting-edge spacecraft driven by its own Rendez-Vous solution, an advanced Autonomous Vision-Based Navigation Solution. IO has two generations of missions

• "Orbit Guard" provides Inspection and Space Situational Awareness services in GEO.




• "Endurance" is a docking service capable of extending the life of GEO telecom satellites, by taking over AOCS takeover for 5 years.

About the Role

The RF Architect – Platform / Payload takes end-to-end responsibility for the space segment RF architecture, covering both the platform telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) links and the payload RF links. He or she ensures the consistency of the end-to-end RF chain, from the antenna to the ground segment, across Infinite Orbits programs, working in close interface with the system architecture and other sub-systems. He/she is responsible for RF performance in line with the needs specified by the mission as well as the satellite's own requirements.

Job Description

Platform RF — Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C)

• Define and evolve the platform TT&C RF architecture (command and telemetry channels, redundancies, safe modes)




• Prepare TT&C link budgets, omnidirectional antenna radiation patterns, and associated performance models




• Ensure the availability of the command link under all conditions (LEOP, safe mode, initial acquisition)




• Define ground station requirements for LEOP, nominal operations, and safe mode phases, and participate in supplier selection

Payload / Mission RF

• Define the payload RF architecture for mission links (data downlink) and inter-satellite/proximity links related to RPO operations




• Prepare link budgets, directional antenna patterns, and performance models associated with the payload




• Arbitrate trade-offs between onboard processing/storage capacity and ground or inter-satellite link capacity

Transverse — Platform & Payload

• Ensure compliance of all RF links (platform and payload) with ITU/FCC standards




• Lead the design of RF subsystems (transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, filters), common or dedicated to each segment




• Define and maintain RF interfaces at the platform/payload boundary (PF/PL bulkhead)




• Evaluate space-qualified RF components and manage supplier relationships (lead times, specifications, quality monitoring)




• Coordinate architecture choices with mechanical, thermal, avionics, flight software, and computer vision teams




• Participate in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR) and associated technical trade-offs




• Oversee integration, environmental testing, and functional RF validation during the AIT phase, for both platform and payload




• Develop RF test plans and troubleshoot anomalies




• Maintain technological watch on RF developments and propose architectural evolutions

Requirements

• Engineering degree (Master's level / Bac+5) in RF, telecommunications, or aerospace, or equivalent; PhD appreciated




• At least 5 years of professional experience in space RF architecture design, including both platform TT&C links and payload/mission RF links




• Experience on at least one satellite mission completed through to completion




• Proficiency in RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, STK)




• Experience with equipment and system-level RF testing during AIT campaigns




• Solid knowledge of antenna theory, microwave engineering, and RF principles




• Understanding of space environment effects on RF systems




• Knowledge of ECSS standards and space qualification processes




• Ability to lead cross-functional topics and interact with suppliers and partners




• Excellent technical communication skills, both spoken and written, in professional English.




• Nationality: French nationality is mandatory due to project requirements.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience in in-orbit servicing or rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO)




• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) and software-defined radio (SDR)




• Experience in a NewSpace environment or agile development

What we offer

• The opportunity to be part of an international team transforming the space industry.




• A creative and innovative work environment where ideas turn into reality.




• Competitive salary and benefits.